What Houzz contributors are saying:

2. Check Craigslist and local vintage shops before buying new. This is a habit that can save you a lot of money over time and is an incredible boon to the environment — buying vintage is the greenest option of all. The hard part is remembering to do it. I’ve found that (especially at first) it helps to leave notes to yourself in places you usually look before shopping, like on your laptop, in your wallet and in the car. It’s true that patience and determination are rewarded when shopping vintage, so don’t just look once and give up. Keep a running wish list of items, and search for them regularly.